Up to 20,000 people are expected to visit the annual Christmas celebrations at Strandhill People's Market in the unique venue of Hangar 1 at Sligo Airport from December 1st - 22nd.

Artisan food and craft producers from all over the west will descend on the village for the seven festive markets throughout the month.

Following on from last year's success, the SPM team have added new dates and new attractions making it one of the biggest markets along the Wild Atlantic Way this Christmas. The hugely popular night markets are making a return and will be opening from 5pm -9pm every Friday in December while the day markets will run every Sunday from 11-4pm.

With a focus on supporting Irish businesses, traders and craftspeople the SPM Christmas markets will offer visitors a chance to purchase high quality gifts and indulge in one of the many hearty food dishes on offer. The market has already proven to have had a significant economic impact on the surrounding area, creating employment, generating visitor spend and making a substantial contribution to the winter economy in Sligo.

"Christmas is always a hugely successful time for our traders at SPM" said Kieran Mulrooney, "We're expecting crowds of over 3,000 at each market meaning our overall footfall will see more than 20,000 people visit Hangar 1 this December.

This has a knock on affect for hotels, bars, cafes and restaurants in Strandhill and Sligo which is fantastic."